Vermicompost in agricultural production: Mechanisms, importance, and applications

Vermicompost is a key component of organic farming, recognized for its significant impact on the growth and development of various plant species. Its effects vary depending on the plant species, application methods, and dosages used. Numerous studies under nonstress conditions have explored the impacts of different vermicompost combinations and doses. The process of vermicomposting has emerged as a method of choice for converting waste into useful manure, with evidence of increase in crop productivity. However, synthesizing findings from these studies is challenging due to the diversity of experimental designs and plant species involved. The main advantages of vermicompost, considering all applications covered in this paper, comprise (i) easy acquisition, (ii) low costs, (iii) structural, chemical, and biological characteristics responsible for exceptional adsorptive capacities as well as pollutant degradation, and (iv) the promotion of biocontrol. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which vermicompost influences plant growth and agronomic traits under both stress and nonstress conditions. Additionally, it highlights the potential of vermicompost to mitigate stress-induced adverse effects on plants. Relevant studies were identified and analyzed using comprehensive database searches with targeted keywords. The review also explores the interactions between vermicompost, soil properties, and plant physiological responses, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms. Although vermicompost has demonstrated its efficacy as an organic fertilizer that benefits most plant species, knowledge gaps persist regarding the interconnected mechanisms involving earthworm gut microbes, soil microbes, plant growth regulators, humic acid, and soil enzyme activities. Addressing these gaps can advance our understanding of vermicompost's multifaceted role in sustainable agriculture.